AI Damage2009 CAN-AM Spyder RS: common problems
Owners of the 2009 CAN-AM Spyder RS filed 13 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and equipment. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 13
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 77% of all complaints
- 2 Equipment 8% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 8% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 8% of all complaints
- Steering: 10 complaints (77% of all).
- Equipment: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (8% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 13 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I have a 2009 can am spyder rs and it caught on fire in may 2014 . My bike only has 1900 miles and has been in the shop for service four times. It caught on fire on may 12, 2014 at my work fabensisd. I had it in the shop for 3 recalls and got it bk 3 months later from nov. 2013 to feb 2014.
While driving various speeds, the power steering failed without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
The contact stated that the check dynamic power steering indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 09v162000 (steering) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle.
I also wish to report the random smell of fuel which causes me considerable worry since my 2008 can am spyder was completely destroyed when it unexpectedly burst into flames as I was leaving my driveway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 can am spyder rs. The contact stated that the automatic transmission would intermittently become locked in gear. The manufacturer was notified and they stated that there were no failures and the vehicle was designed to respond in the manner in which it was. The vehicle was not repaired.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,843 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 27% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Spyder RS has 9 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 13, above average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 CAN-AM Spyder RS?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, equipment, fuel system. Total complaints: 13. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: steering or power steering problems (31%), smoke, burning smell, fire (23%), jerking, harsh shifts (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 CAN-AM Spyder RS?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 CAN-AM Spyder RS from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.